The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now blacklisting FASTags that are not securely affixed to vehicle windscreens. A “loose FASTag” or “tag‑in‑hand” is one not properly pasted in the correct spot, sometimes held in hand, or kept inside the car.
This prevents toll scanners from reading and scanning the tag correctly. This practice by NHAI is initiated to prevent toll fraud, lane congestion, incorrect chargebacks, and to make road travel easier and smoother.
With over 98% FASTag adoption, NHAI wants to ensure smooth, automatic tolling with the Multi‑Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll system, which works for reliable FASTag readings.
The guidelines for this New Rule include:
Only one FASTag per vehicle will be allowed.
All travellers and FASTag users must complete KYC with their issuing bank or app.
Tags that are inactive for over a month or are used more than twice a month will be blacklisted immediately.
What does this mean for travelers?
A blacklisted FASTag stops working at tolls, meaning manual payment, delays, or even penalties. If the traveler’s FASTag is “blacklisted”, they will either have to pay toll in cash (only where permitted) or will be denied entry at FASTag exclusive lanes. In some cases, depending on the violation type, a prior 48-hour may be issued before the FASTag gets fully deactivated.
Earlier this June, it was announced by the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, that the government has decided to introduce an Annual FASTag Pass costing ₹3,000/year valid from the date of activation or up to 200 trips.
The Annual Pass activated on the FASTag will allow hassle-free passage of a private car/jeep/van at designated National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas. This rule will start from Independence Day (August 15).
In Summary
NHAI wants to make driving on highways faster and smoother. This new step is initiated for transparent, frictionless highway travel. To avoid travel delays or losing your FASTag, make sure it’s properly affixed to your windscreen. That way, you can avoid any problems and enjoy hassle-free travel.
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